BA Assyriology

About this course

Assyriology can be studied as a main (major), as a joint, or as a subsidiary (minor) subject. The course revolves around the acquisition of ancient Near Eastern languages (Akkadian, Sumerian and an introduction to Hittite for main-course students, Akkadian for subsidiary students) and cuneiform script. At the same time, students are expected to acquire a basic knowledge of other sectors of the subject (history, religion, science and society in the ancient Near East).

Entry Requirements

Higher-education entrance qualification

Good German-language knowledge

The “Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH)” is the German language proficiency examination required for admission to universities

Subjects to Study

Standard course duration is six semesters. The following combinations are possible:

B.A. course in Assyriology 75%. This is the main-course option (75%) encompassing the study of Assyriology plus Near Eastern Archaeology and requiring students to choose a freely selectable subsidiary subject (25%). The only option excluded as a subsidiary subject is of course Near Eastern Archaeology. In addition, 20 credit points for “cross-disciplinary skills” have to be acquired.

B.A. course in Assyriology 50%. This is a first main-course option (50%) encompassing the study of Assyriology only (without Near Eastern Archaeology). It requires students to choose a freely selectable second main subject. In addition, 20 credit points for “cross-disciplinary skills” have to be acquired, 10 in each subject.

B.A. course in Assyriology 25%. This is Assyriology as a subsidiary (minor) course to go with a main subject accounting for 75% of the study workload.

The B.A. course concludes with the B.A. thesis and an oral examination. Graduates can go on to take the M.A. course in Assyriology (standard course duration 4 semesters).